Nic Castillon

David Byrne’s work as a frontman for the New York band Talking Heads lead to some of the most influential pop music of the late 20th century. With albums like 1980’s “Remain in Light” and the groundbreaking 1984 concert film “Stop Making Sense,” Byrne established himself as a forward-thinking musical …

Jonathan Franzen, acclaimed author of novels such as “The Corrections” and “Freedom,” visited the University of Oregon Thursday night as part of the Collins Distinguished Speakers’ Series. After a brief introduction from UO professor David Li, Franzen read from one of his essays, gave some thoughts on novel writing and …

Eugene-based doom metal outfit YOB performed at WOW Hall for a packed house of hometown fans Friday night. With a set lasting around an hour and fifteen minutes, YOB managed to perform eight brutal songs — many of which were new tracks from the band’s forthcoming album. The show also …

Valentine’s Day is a weird holiday. For those in happy and healthy relationships, it’s often enjoyable. For the many people who aren’t, the gushy festivities can feel a little unnecessary. Here’s a playlist for the different types of people who may feel left out this year — whatever the reason may …

There’s a lot that could be said about “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.” For some, Neutral Milk Hotel’s folky sophomore record is a work of genius. Since its release in 1998, the album has developed a strong cult following, evident by steady record sales and a large amount of …

The annual Sasquatch! music festival announced its 2018 lineup on Feb. 5. The festival will return to Washington’s Gorge Amphitheater on Memorial Day weekend (May 25 to 27) for its 17th year and will feature a variety of artists including David Byrne, Slowdive and Tyler, the Creator. The headliners for …

Ty Segall finds himself exploring more genres than his typical garage-rock on his new album “Freedom’s Goblin.” Two Emerald Arts and Culture writers share their thoughts about Segall’s new album below. Jordan Montero’s take: So far, whenever Southern California-based rocker Ty Segall enlists the help of the versatile Freedom Band, …

The noted hard-rockers, Queens of the Stone Age, made a stop at Eugene’s Hult Center Saturday night in support of the group’s most recent album “Villains.” The band’s performance, along with an opening set from the boogie rock band Eagles of Death Metal, made for one of the loudest nights …

After each year-end list has been compiled, it’s time to think about the future. From Ty Segall to MGMT, here is a list of albums to look forward to in 2018. Ty Segall – “Freedom’s Goblin” (Jan. 26) A new album from Ty Segall shouldn’t come as too much of …

Let’s face it. Twenty-seventeen wasn’t a year of loss in the music world like 2016 was. Though Tomy Petty and other important artists passed away, 2017 was a different year for the music world. In some ways, artists began to pick up the pieces of 2016’s shattering losses and build …

The Pacific Northwest had a great year for touring music. Both Portland and Eugene saw their fair share of up-and-coming and established artists come through venue doors. Live shows for bands such as The Shins and Brockhampton brought avid fans together to see some of their favorites, while legendary acts …

In this episode of Emerald Recommends from the Emerald Podcast Network, arts and culture editor Sararosa Davies, music writers Nic Castillon and Jordan Montero and podcast editor Alec Cowan discuss the music that defined 2017. This is not necessarily the best music to come out this year, but instead, …

“Utopia,” Björk’s latest album, can be seen as a companion to 2015’s “Vulnicura,” as it explores many similar subjects. “Vulnicura” functioned as a way for the Icelandic singer to process a breakup with her long-term partner, American artist Matthew Barney. Naturally, the album took on a somber tone; however, on …

Whether watching at Autzen Stadium or at home rooting for the Ducks with family, Ducks fans sure know how to rock game day. Find songs to listen to as the Ducks play the Oregon State University Beavers in the 121st Civil War below. ‘Fuck You’ — CeeLo Green No song …

A large amount of foot traffic came through the Broadway Commerce Center in downtown Eugene for the second annual Euzine Comics & Zine Fest last Saturday. The event featured independent artists tabling a variety of work, which included everything from handmade comics to short-run booklets of poetry and prose. The …

Cult singer-songwriter and outsider artist Daniel Johnston is currently finishing a limited string of live performances that have been billed as his “final tour.” On Wednesday, the artist made a stop in Portland at Revolution Hall for an intimate, and heartfelt sold-out show. The night began in a slightly unorthodox …

Emerald writers love a deep dive. In the Discography Dive series, Emerald A&C staffers write in-depth about their favorite groups. This week, music writer Nic Castillon looks into the British band Blur’s lengthy history. “Leisure” (1991) and “Modern Life is Rubbish” (1993) Blur signed to Food Records in 1990 and …

Before Eugene’s Slade Nevin began his own record label, “Captain Crook” was just the name of his disabled cat. “Its neck was broken to the left, its tail was broken to the right, so it walked sideways,” Nevin said. Crook passed away but lives on: his name is memorialized through …

“Halloween V mix” — RL Grime While children will be parading in the streets on Oct. 31 in celebration of the largest candy giveaway of the year, EDM fans will be celebrating for a different reason: Los Angeles-based DJ and producer RL Grime will release his sixth annual Halloween mix. The …

Bully’s latest LP, “Losing,” is out on Sub Pop Records, which feels fitting. The Nashville band’s grunge-influenced sound is reminiscent of many artists the label helped popularize during the late ‘80s and ‘90s. Unfortunately, the strong energy Bully brings on this sophomore album does little to make up for its …

Andrew Savage has always been busy. In the late 2000s, he was a member of two different bands –– Teenage Cool Kids, and Fergus & Geronimo. More recently, he has found success as a singer and guitarist for the art-punk band Parquet Courts — currently one of the most acclaimed …

In 1997, the New York Times named “Gummo” the “worst film of the year” –– which is understandable. Harmony Korine’s directorial debut has little-to-no plot. The movie is filled with disturbing imagery, and at times it feels like viewing a grainy home video. But of course, that is all the …

Eugene was a little bit louder than usual on Friday night thanks to a performance from the legendary Japanese experimental group Boris. The band made a stop at WOW Hall during its 25th anniversary tour in support of its new album “Dear.” The night began with a beautiful and chaotic …

October — or “Rocktober — is just around the corner. This fall various acts, ranging from the Foo Fighters to Tyler, the Creator, are visiting Eugene and Portland. Grab some tickets to see Emerald staffers most anticipated fall shows. Morrissey at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017 …

Godspeed You! Black Emperor has been crafting long, challenging and often thought-provoking post-rock music since the late 1990s. The Montreal band has become known for its drawn out crescendos and cacophonous orchestrations, usually resulting in strong emotional responses from those patient enough to listen. Due to the band’s experimental nature, …

Filmmaker Steven Lewis Simpson’s latest project, “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” offers its audience the opportunity to slow down and listen. The film is an adaptation of author Kent Nerburn’s award-winning 1994 book of the same name. The movie follows Kent Nerburn (Christopher Sweeney), who has been tasked with writing a …

Back in 2011, the Brooklyn-based band LCD Soundsystem performed an over three-hour live show at Madison Square Garden—a show that was meant to be its final performance. Tickets sold out immediately, and thousands of people showed up to see the band close out its celebrated, decade-long career. Throughout the night, …

Musicfest NW presents Project Pabst is taking over the Tom McCall Waterfront in Portland this weekend from Aug. 26 to 27. With a robust lineup, plenty of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a warm weather forecast, the festival is sure to be the a great late summer event. Check out the Emerald’s …

In this edition of Emerald Recommends, arts and culture writer Nic Castillon joins senior arts and culture editor Sararosa Davies and podcast editor Alec Cowan to discuss songs for the upcoming eclipse on Aug. 21. From Bon Iver to The B-52’s, here’s the music to accompany those few minutes of …

Robert Pollard, the principal songwriter and core member of Ohio’s Guided By Voices, is known for his prolific musical output. “How Do You Spell Heaven” is not only the band’s 25th studio album, but also its second album released this year. Since the band’s formation in the mid-’80s, GBV has …

Who we are

In addition to its news division, Emerald Media Group houses a number of student-run services. The EMG Portfolio includes the multicultural magazine Ethos, the lifestyle publishing group Emerald Essentials, an event photo service Emerald PhotoBooth and a full-service advertising and marketing department that offers a wide range of solutions to engage with the UO community.